Window regulator



June 9, 1953 c. c. JACKSON WINDOW REGULATOR Filed Nov. 2, 1950 INVHVTOR. A7:59522? C' csan.

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Patented June 9, 1953 WINDOW REGULATOR Clifford o. Jackson, Detroit, Mieli., assigner t@ Chrysler Corporation, Highland Park, Michi., a

corporation of Delaware Application November 2, 1950, Serial No. 193,709

This application relates to panel regulators, particularly to electrically operated regulators for window panels.

A feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a power-operated window regulator which will easily and noiselessly raise and lower a window, particularly a window of an automobile body.

With the advent of the wide type of automobile body, it is now extremely difficult for a driver to raise and lower the window on the right hand side. The window regulator handle is beyond his reach when he is in the ordinary posture, and in order to grasp it he has to lean to an extreme position over to one side, in which extreme position his driving may be interfered with.

According to another feature of the invention, a window regulating mechanism is provided which is mounted to the supporting structure for the glass run at a minimum of fixed points, notably one, thereby resulting in a simple installation and remo-val of the mechanism.- Moreover, only two points as the total number of connection points are contemplated for the mechanism, the mechanism only necessarily having to be conneoted to one point on the movable window panel in addition to the aforesaid one fixed point which serves as reference point from and toward which the panel moves.

According to still another feature, a window regulator is provided in which there are em.- ployed no tracks, guides or cross-heads for the mechanism and no attendant lubrication problems connected therewith inasmuch as a pin joint is the sole type joint employed.

According to yet another feature of the invention, a window regulator mechanism is provided which is completely elastically supported by elastic material resulting in an installation which is insulated against noise and vibration.

According to a further feature, a regulator mechanism is provided in which the joints used are pivot joints known mechanically to introduce but a minimum of friction as contrasted with other conventional joints incorporating relatively sliding parts for example.

According to still a further feature, provision is made for the satisfactory Operation of a window lift mechanism not involving expensive and complicated controls like limit switches.

According to yet a further feature, a'regulator mechanism is provided which utilizes an expansible and collapsible threaded strut having the threads thereof protected from condensate, dust, water, and like elements when the Ywindow -is 11 Claims. (Cl. 268-424) lil) . 2 closed, as under the circumstances outlined the threads are totally'housed against exposure.

An additional feature of the invention lies in the provision of a lost motion connection between the power rotor and power shaft to give the power mechanism an opportunity to build up rotational inertia necessary for the 'impetus to break the window panel away from any wedged engagement or binding its extreme posi-tionsof travel.

According to another additional feature of the invention provision is made in aV window regulator for a gradual transition from abrupt start and stop motion in the intermediate window positions of the window panel by virtue of the presence of an elastic mounting against which the mechanism may pivotally thrust.

Further features, objects and advantages will either be specifically pointed out or becomel apparent when for a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an elevation of the window regulator showing the parts in more than one position;

v and Figure 2 is a section through the xed pivot and lost motion connection between the power rotor and the power shaft.

In particular regard to Figures '1 and 2 of the drawings, the illustrated supporting panel I0 represents a conventional or other suitable support panel of a vehicle door, body window opening, or body partition structure; Supported by supporting panel I0 is one of a pair of glass runs I2 of general U-shaped configuration having corresponding legs I4 and I6 extending at angles from a base I8. Slidably received in glass run I2 is a window panel 20 which may be of glass having an edge thereof embraced between the legs I4 and I6 of the glass run. Window 'panel 20 is held by a metallic channel indicated at 22. Channel 22 has a bracket 24 carrying a pivot 26 forming a connection with a portion 28 Of a link 30.

Aflixed to panel I0 by welding, soldering or the like, is a nut 32 having a threaded bore 34 for reception of a fixed pivot structure. The pivot structure comprises a pivot pin 36, a washer 38. and a sleeve member 40 retained by washer 38 for limited rocking motion about pin 36. The mid Aportion 42 of the sleevemember 40 is reduced to provide an annular groove in which is received a strap 44 carrying a bumper 45 which may be of rubber orlplastic material. The endportions of 'the sleeve member 40' are reduced to receive therearound bodies of elastic material 46. Bodies 46 are preferably of an elastomeric composition including rubber, elastic plastic, and elastic resin materials. A bellcrank 48 has a portion 50 adapted to receive a pivot pin 52 carried by link 3S. A portion of bellcrank 48 provides an opening 54 embraceably surrounding an annular groove formed in the surface of one of the elastic bodies M. Another bellcrank portion provides an opening 5G and a similar opening 60 is provided on a bellcrank` companion member 58. Companion member 58 has a. portion 62 apertured to be received about the other elastic body 46, Openings 56 and 60, as a pair, serve as gimbals for the reception of a pair of opposed projecting trunnions Si! carried by amotor casing structure B6. Motor casing structure B6 is provided with bearings such as rear bearing 88 in which are .iournalled the motor rotor and rotor shaft 59. A truncated tube In forms an Outrigger part for the overa-ll motor casing structure SB. Outrigger part TS provides a plurality of bearings including a roller bearing T2 and a self lubricated sleeve bearing I4 which may be of a porous metalv texture.

Journalled within the bearings 12 and i4 is a power shait or sleeve 16 restrained against axial movement relative tok Outrigger part N by virtue of an annular shoulder I1 on the sleeve which engages the sleeve bearing 'I4 and also by virtue of the general resistance of roller bearing l2 to axial movement. Sleeve TB has an end 18 presenting a pair of diametrically opposed lugs 80. A companion pair' of lugs 82` is formed on a vmember 84 carried by the rotor shaft S9 for the motor rotor, not shown. Companion lugs 80 and 82 provide a lost motion connection between the motor rotor and the power shaft TB later to be set forth more in detail. Sleeve T6 has a reduced inside diameter at the extremity 86 formed with threads for receiving a screwshaft 0B pinned at S0 to an extension portion 92 of link 30. Link portion 92 has formed therein an opening 94 receiving the hooked end of elastic member 96 which may be a spring. The opposite end of elastic member 9G is suitably anchored in the strap 44 secured around the girth of the fixed 'pivot sleeve 40.

A manually operated two-way switch till is connected to terminals on motor casing structure E@ for controlling thel motor and the direction rotation of power sleeve 16. Switch 00 is connected to a power source N2 through a circuit breaker |94 which may be of the thermal type. The motor rotor, not shown, is preferably doublewound and in known manner is arranged to rotate in one direction or the other depending on the switch position of two-way switch IM, While the switch |98 is in its neutral position the motor is of course unenergized.

The operation or the device of Figures l and 2 is as follows. Link and bellcrank 48 constitute a simple chain which may be straightened out or collapsed to bring movable pivot 2G and fixed pivot 36 relatively farther apart or closer together, Movable pivot 26 is constrained to purely rectilinear movement with respect to fixed pivot owing to the constraint of glass panel 23 in the glass run guides. Broadly speaking, however, the movable pivot 26 may move through well dened curvilinear as well as rectilinear paths for the purposes of the operation of the window regulator mechanism. Spring 96 is so 'located'and effective in tension to lresist counter- -fclockwise movement of link 3l with respect to :bellcrank 48 and thusv has a tendency to attempt to straighten out the joint at 52 between links 30 and 48 and resiliently counterbalance the weight of the window panel 20 and associated structure. Screwshait 88 and its surrounding threaded sleeve 'IE together constitute an expansible and collapsible strut, the effective change of length of which is controlled by relative rotation of one of the parts relative to the other. Screwshaft 88 is pinned at to the link portion 92 and hence held effectively in restraint against relative rotation thereto. Power sleeve 16 is restrained by its bearings against axial movement relative to the pivot 64 and the Outrigger part 'l0 of motor casing structure B6; but is nevertheless free for swinging movement on pivot 64 and `free for rotational movement in its bearings 12 and M. The lugs 8l. on the power sleeve 'I6 are engageable bv companion lugs 82 for either direction oi rotation for the motor rotor. The lost motion feature made possible by these cooperating lugs permits the motor rotor to gain some speed prior -to `apl`niicution of its torque to the power sleeve 15 with the benefit of thel rotational inertia of the motor rotox in breaking away the window panel 20 and its related structure from any bind or wedging which may result in service. Under influence of proper rotation of power sleeve 16, the screwshaft B8 may be caused to withdraw therefrom and assume a retracted position 88a relative to a new position 16a. for the power sleeve. Accompanying the motion of the strut will be the coordinated movement of the link 30 in a counterclockwise sense about .pivot 52, with the result that the joint formed at 52 by links 30 and 48 will ex away from the relatively straightened out position shown in full lines in Figure l. Continued movement of flexure of the joint will bring the main portion of bellcrank 48 into the general horizontal position shown at 48a. At the same time the main portion of link 30 will approach a relation of parallelism therewith such as to assume the position 30a wherein end portion 28 position 28a engages the bumper 45. Since motor casing structure 66 is supported in giinbals ES and 60 fixed relative to bellcrank 48, the trunnions 64 will move to a new position 64a andthe motor casing structure will be attendant therewith assume a general horizontal disposition 66o. Spring 96 will at the same time be elongated somewhat and swung to the dotted line showing 98a. In its limited angular rocking movement the bellcrank 48 will generally be accompanied by the fixed pivot sleeve 4.

In the lowered position 22a of glass channel 22, the regulator mechanism has the stop 45 clicctive to prevent further movement. In its upper or raised position shown in Figure l in full lines, channel 22 and the glass panel structure may be stopped by engagement with the upper end of the window opening bounded by glass run l2. In the upper position, it is to be noted that the screwshaft 88 is substantially completely enclosed in the power sleeve T6 in a manner such that neither the internal nor the external threads of the threaded members 16 or 88 are exposed to the elements. Hence any dust, dirt, rain, or condensate present within the supporting structure l0 cannot iind access to the threads or to the lubricant carried thereon.

In the course of an operating cycle of the regulator mechanism, manual switch. l is moved out of its neutral position to complete circuit between source |52 and one winding' of the double wound rotor of motor structure. 65.

.Rotor shaft 69 is arranged to be caused to rotate counterclockwise according to'Fgure 2 and the power sleeve 16 similarly rotates to cause a withdrawal of screw shaft 88 owing to the threadable engagement of sleeve portion 85 therewith. Links 30 and 48 are accordingly permitted to move from the extended position of Figure 1 to a retracted or collapsed position for lowering window 20. Conversely, when manual switch |00 is operated to complete a circuit between source i02 and the other winding of the rotor of motor structure S6, the motor and power sleeve rotate in the opposite direction to the direction aforesaid, and screwshaft 85 is caused to be threadably advanced through power sleeve 16 and the links 30 and 48 are caused to open up or extend. If the window 20 is forcibly detained from moving at a time when the motor of structure 66 is energized, the thermal circuit breaker |04 is arranged to open circuit the switch |00 and for a period to prevent re-energization of the motor until the circuit breaker |04 has had a chance to cool down. Thus if the motor is stalled due to an obstruction in the window opening or due to the panel 20 arriving at either one of its limits of travel, no damage will result to the motor windings even though switch |00 is not returned to neutral position in due course.

It will be o'bserved that in either extreme of travel of the window regulator mechanism just set forth, the elastic bodies 45 are eiective to take up the shock of abrupt stoppage of motion. The lost motion connection provided by lugs 0f] and 82 will tend to compensate for and overcome any binding or jamming that may result at these extremes of travel. It is noted that in the intermediate positions of window panel 20, the elastic bodies 48 serve to take up the reaction thrust of the window regulator mechanism and to provide smooth starting and stopping movement.

Variations within the spirit and scopo of the invention described are equally comprehended by the foregoing description.

What is claimed is:

l. A window regulator comprising a pvotally supported member having portions swingable through arcs, a window panel supported for sliding movement toward and away from the point of pivotal support of the member aforesaid, a

link carried by a said swingable portion of the r pvotally supported member and having one end connected to the window panel, complementary threaded members one within the other and each providing an outer end portion relatively separable with respect to the other outer end 1,

portion upon relative rotation of the threaded members, means mounting the respective outer end portions of the threaded members to the other end of the link and to a portion of the pivotally supported member for pivotal movement relative thereto and including a bearing journalling a certain of said threaded members for relative rotation relative thereto, and means for rotating said certain threaded member to change the angular relation between the link and pivotally supported member for causing the said one end of the link and the window panel to move relative to said point of pivotal support of the pvotally supported member.

2. A window regulator comprising a pvotally supported member having portions swingable through arcs, a window panel supported for sliding movement toward and away from the point of pivotal support of the member aforesaid, a link carried by a said swingable portion of the pvotally supported member and having one end connected to the window panel, complementary threaded members one within the other and each providing an outer end portion relatively separable with respect to the other outer end portion upon relative rotation of the threaded members, means mounting the respective outer end portions of the threaded members to the other end of the link and to a portion of the pivotally supported member for pivotal movement relative thereto and including a bearing journalling a certain of said threaded members for relative rotation relative thereto, and means for rotating said certain threaded member to change the angular relation between the link and pivotally supported member for causing the said one end of the link and the window panel to move relative to said point of pivotal supoprt of the pvotally supported member and in combination therewith, an elastic member acting between said other end of the link and the point of pivotal support to oppose movement of the said link one end toward the latter.

3. A window regulator comprising a pvotally supported member having portions swingable through arcs, a window panel supported for sliding movement toward and away from the point of pivotal support of the member aforesaid, a link pvotally carried by a said swingable portion of the pvotally supported member and having one end pvotally connected to the window panel, complementary threaded members, one within the other and each providing an outer end portion relatively separable with respect to the other outer end portion upon relative rotation of the threaded members, -rneans mounting the respective outer end portions of the threaded members to the other end of the link and to a portion of the pvotally supported member for pivotal movement relative thereto and including a bearing journalling a certain of said threaded members for relative rotation, and power means for rotating said certain threaded member to change the angular relation between the link and pvotally supported member for causing the said one end of the link and the window panel to move relative to said point of pivotal support of the pvotally supported member.

4. For use with reference to a supported pivot, a window panel guided to slide toward and away from the pivot, a pair of mutually interconnected links forming a chain having respective end portions thereof, one .swingably connected at a single point to the window panel, and the other adapted to be pvotally carried by the supported pivot for swinging action thereabout, a pair of threadably engaged members forming a relatively expansible and collapsible strut element pvotally acting between points on the mutually interconnected inks respectively and having the respective end portions thereof, one restrained against relative rotational and axial movement with respect to its corresponding link, and the other restrained against relative axial movement but free to rotate with respect to the other link, and power operated means mounted to said other link and drivingly connected to said other end portion of the expansible and collapsible strut element for rotating the end portions of the latter with respect to each other to cause a change in the relative angularity between links about their point of mutual interconnection.

5. For use with reference to a supported pivot, a window panel guided to slide toward and away from the pivot, a pair of mutually interconnected links forming achain having respective end portions thereof, one connected to the window panel, and the other adapted to be pivotally carried by the supported pivot for swinging action thereabout, a pair of threadably engaged members forming a relatively expansible and collapsible strut element pivotally connected at and acting between points on the mutually interconnected links respectively and having the respective end portions thereof, one restrained against relative rotational and axial movement with respect to its corresponding link, and the other restrained against relative axial movement but free to rotate respect to the other link, and tensio. .l spring means connected to each of said links eiective to resist increasing angularity between the links, the said points of pivotal connection of the strut member to the mutually interconnectsd1 links being space-:i with respect to the point or" mutual link interconnecting.

6. For use with an openable and closable panel for a window opening, a supported pivot toward and away from which the window is to move, a pair of links forming chain havingT one end portieri thereof swingably mounted to said supported pivot and the other end portion adapted for pivotal connection with the window panel for coordinating movement oi the latter with change in relative angularity between links, a relatively expansible and collapsible strut eiemcnt formed of a screw shaft having an end pivoted to one link and hollow sleeve means tl readably eceiving the screw shaft proper, the threads of said screw shaft being arranged in a manner such that when the strut element is fully collapsed the threads are arctected from esposure by substantially enclosed with the hollow of the sleeve means, motor casing structure pivoted to swing with respect to the other link and providing bearir g means, and means rranged in drive transl itting relation journailed the bearing means and including,r a motor rotor and the sleeve means and restrained against axial noveinent relative thereto.

7. For use with i toward and move, a pair an openable and closable winwin lg, a supported away from which the window oi inks forming a chain having one end portion thereof swingably mounted f to said supported pivot and the other end portion adapted fer pivotal connection with the window pane1 for coordinating movement of the atter with change in relative angularity between links, a relxiiwily expansible and collapsible strut element formed of a screw shaft having an end pivoted to one link and hollow sleeve means threadably recei ng the screw shaft proper, motor casing structure pivoted to swing with respect to the other link and providing bearing means, means arranged in drive transmitting relation journalied in the bearing means and including a motor rotor and the sleeve means and restrained against arial movement relative thereto, said last named means further including a lost motion driving connection between the motor rotor and sleeve means.

3. For use with an oL `able and closable window panel for window opening', a supported pivot toward and away from which the window is to move, a pair of links forming a chain having one end portion thereorn mounted to said supported pivot and the other end portion adapted for pivotal connection with the window panel for coo1"inating,1novement of the latter with change in relative angularity between links, a relatively expansible and collapsible strut element formed of a screw shaft having an end pivoted to one link and hollow sleeve means threwably receiving the screw shaft proper, motor casing structure pivoted to swing with respect to the other link and providing bea ing means, means arranged in drive transmitting relation journalled in t .e bearing means and including a motor rotor and the sleeve means and restrained against axial movement relative thereto, and a spring member connected to each link resiliently effective to oppose collapse of the chain.

9. For use with an openable and closable window panel for a wind-ow opening, a supported pivot towaid and away from which the window is to move, said supported pivot having an elastic body therearound, a pair o1 links Vforming a chain having one end portion thereof swingably carried 'cj the elastic bony on said supported pivot and the other end portion being adapted for pivotal connection with the window panel 'for coordinating movement of the latter with change in relative angularity between links, a relatively cxpansible and collapsible strut element formed of a screw shaft having an end pivoted to one link and hollow sleeve means threadably receiz` ig the screw shaft proper, motor casing structure pivoted to swing with respect to the other link and providing bear'i f means, and means arranged in drive transmit relation journalled in the bearing means and including a motor rotor and the sleeve means and restrained against axial movement relative thereto.

l0. For use with a slidably openable and closeable, guided window panel for a window opening, a supper-cd pivot toward and away from which the window panel is guidably arranged to .slide in assuming respective opened and closed positions, a pair of links provided to form a chain between the supported pivot and the .vindow panel and having an extended po. on corresponding to the closed position or the window panel and having a retracted position corresponding to the open position of the window panel, each said link having a body portion intervening between the respective opposite extremities thereof, the body portion of one said link being swingably suppe; by said pivot and said one link having one extremity thereof pivotally connected to the body portion of the other said link, the said other link having means for connecting one extremity thereof to the window panel, the opposite extremities of each of said links being commonly disposed in spaced relationship to the same side ci a line pa 'ng through said s pporteol pivot and said pivotal connection between links, and an expansible and collapsible strut element disposed between and swingabl,7 connecter?, to the said opposite extremity of each of l1. ks, strut element having power means to operate the same and being pivotalh7 mounted to a said opposite extremity of one link to form the just-described swingable connection for the strut element, said strut element further having a collapsed position corresponding to the closed position of the window panel and to the extended position of the chain and being of a bipartite construction formed of threadably engaged outer and inner parts, one of the said parts being drivingly connected to the power means with the threads o said inner part being arranged in such a manner that when the strut element is collapsed the threads are protected from exposure by being substantially enclosed by the outer part.

11. Window regulating means for movable window panels and the like, comprising a supported pivot. a panel-connected mounting bracket and a pivot anchored thereto, a pair of articulated links one connected to one said pivot and one connected to the other said pivot, a first elongated part and a second hollow part receiving said rst part therein, and a pivotally supported power unit disposed on one side of a reference line passing through said supported pivot and the point of articulation between the articulated links drivingly connected to one said part for rotating the same, the other said part having an end pivotally connected to one said link at a 10 point on the same side of the reference line as above described and being threadably engaged with said one part so as to be shifted longitudinally due to rotation of the latter for causing movement of the panel-connected mounting bracket.

CLIFFORD C. JACKSON.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 946,020 Duchernin Jan. 11, 1910 1,568,343 Miller Jan. 5, 1926 1,636,262 Troendly July 19, 1927 2,407,537 Chapman Sept. 1U, 1946 

